Westfield Museum Inc

In the summer of 2012 two organizations, Westfield Museum Inc. (WMI) and the Westfield Historic Industries Preservation Project (WHIPP), came together to advance their common goal:  the creation of a world-class museum and exhibit space to showcase the City of Westfield's rich history. They selected as their initial project the exterior restoration and interior reconfiguration of the whip factory located at 360 Elm Street. The building, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985, was built c. 1884 as a whipmaking facility and has been in use for that purpose ever since. Whip manufacturing continues within the building as a permanent working Museum display.

Much progress has been made. Building exterior restoration has been completed, and the distinctive architecture of so many of Westfield's whip companies, almost vanished, is in full view.  A preservation restriction, insuring the building will remain unchanged in perpetuity, has been filed.

Planning for the interior spaces is complete.   Mechanical systems have been upgraded, but accessibility issues must be addressed before the Museum can open to the public.

Your contriubtion will help this exciting vision a reality for Westfield residents and visitors alike.

Help us make history. Help us preserve history.
Help us promote Westfield.